The gymnast should first be able to do a straddle press to handstand from a basic straddle stand before learning it from the Straddle-L. The first several videos show some drills for teaching the press to handstand from a basic straddle stand, such as doing the press against the wall to prevent “planching” during the press, and then doing the press with your feet up on a panel mat.

Once the gymnast can comfortably perform the press from the straddle stand, they can then work on pressing from the straddle-L. The first video on this part of the press shows a great way to practice rolling back and forth into the straddle L-sit, building up the hip flexor strength to enable the gymnast to hold that position. The next video shows how a coach can spot the press up from the straddle-L and back down to the straddle-L, while keeping the gymnast in the proper body alignment and pressing position.

These drills will hopefully get you on your way to developing some good straddle L-sit press handstands with good technique. Thanks for the question Justin … be on the lookout for your $20 off coupon in your email soon!

If anyone has any other drills for presses that you use in your gym, feel free to post them in the comments section below.